Lewis summarises the point in an essay here:
“Any event which is claimed as a miracle is, in the last resort, an experience received from the senses; and the senses are not infallible. We can always say we have been the victims of an illusion; if we disbelieve in the supernatural this is what we always shall say. Hence, whether miracles have really ceased or not, they would certainly appear to cease in Western Europe as materialism became the popular creed...
But there is one thing often said about our ancestors which we must not say. We must not say They believed in miracles because they did not know the Laws of Nature.' This is nonsense. When St Joseph discovered that his bride was pregnant, he was 'minded to put her away [divorce her]' (Matthew 1.19). He knew enough biology for that. Otherwise, of course he would not have regarded pregnancy as a proof of infidelity. When he accepted the Christian explanation, he regarded it as a miracle precisely because he knew enough of the Laws of Nature to know that this was a suspension of them. When the disciples saw Christ walking on the water they were frightened (Matthew 14. 26; Mark 6.49; John 6.19) they would not have been frightened unless they had known the laws of Nature and known that this was an exception.
If a man had no conception of a regular order in Nature, then of course he could not notice departures from that order: just as a dunce who does not understand the normal metre of a poem is also unconscious of the poet's variations from it. Nothing is wonderful except the abnormal and nothing is abnormal until we have grasped the norm. Complete ignorance of the laws of Nature would preclude the perception of the miraculous just as rigidly as complete disbelief in the supernatural precludes it, perhaps even more so. For while the materialist would have at least to explain miracles away, the man wholly ignorant of Nature would simply not notice them.
The experience of a miracle in fact requires two conditions. First we must believe in a normal stability of nature, which means we must recognize that the data offered by our senses recur in regular patterns. Secondly, we must believe in some reality beyond Nature. When both beliefs are held, and not till then, we can approach with an open mind the various reports which claim that this super- or extra-natural reality has sometimes invaded and disturbed the sensuous content of space and time which makes our 'natural' world...” (Miracles, Lewis' short essay version of the book).
Notes in the video description above.
@LewisAndFaith Says:
This was a such creative and insightful video! C.S. Lewis' ability to explain miracles is truly unparalleled, and your doodle presentation brought this idea to life. A wonderful way to honor his legacy!
@ForseePilot Says:
I just want to express my gratitude for all that you do on this channel. These videos must take an immensity of time and effort. Thank you for your dedication and the sheer artistry you've displayed in this work, and God bless you.
@lemuelbach Says:
Yasssss! This is such an important book. Spread it far and wide.
@elendiastarman Says:
I'm excited for this series! I recently read this book a few months ago and loved how it dealt with the *philosophical* question of whether miracles *can* occur rather than trying to argue for the validity of any miracle reports.
@psalm1197 Says:
Ha! In the middle of reassign this book! Very timely video
@busterdafydd3096 Says:
2:28 how do you know what your looking at or reading about is a miracle? Is it miracle because it is impossible and hence nothing should be deemed impossible?
@sennest Says:
Absolutely brilliant!! 😎🙏🙏👍👍 great choice of book! Thank you for the incredible work and effort! Blessings on you and your house!
@Rubberglass Says:
Thank you for continuing to make these. ❤
@ivanpalchey5991 Says:
Thank you for making these videos! May God bless you!
@f.k.b.16 Says:
I always find it hilarious when people tell me the warp drive and transporters are possible, infinite other dimensions and time travel exists but the miraculous... Now that's far fetched.
@dsc4178 Says:
The Gospel of John, and Mark, have been found dating to 50 A.D., meaning they were written before 50 A.D.
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